About Us

Melanie Lunn MSc (Psychology), PDT (Pro Dog Trainer Certified)– Head Trainer

My interest in dog training started when I got my first dog as an adult.  Kahlua was a big chocolate Lab and he was CRAZY!  I knew I needed help so hired a trainer and started classes soon after.  I immediately fell in love with the time I spent with Kahlua and I haven’t stopped.

Labradors are my breed of choice for myself but I have certainly worked with many different breeds over the years.  I have always been a proponent of positive reinforcement based training and have taken many seminars both in person and on-line to grow my knowledge : Brain Killcommons, Chris Bach, Brenda Aloff. Denise Fenzi, Leslie McDevitt, Puzzle Dog & Behavior Vets to name a few.

Nine years ago, I welcomed another high energy, chocolate lab puppy into my home and Ouzo pushed all of my buttons.  I already had tons of knowledge, but realized this special boy needed a slightly different approach to his training.  That is when I discovered Absolute Dogs in the UK and became interested in the idea of games-based concept training.  

Through Absolute Dogs I have learned how to take positive reinforcement training to a different level and it is a journey I love to share with students every day.  In 2017 I became a certified Pro Dog Trainer through their program and I continue to upgrade my certification each year.  I also am a member of many training groups with Absolute Dogs which provide me with continuing education and support if needed. 

I am currently venturing into a new line of learning with Dr Tom Mitchell of BehaveVet in the UK through his online program Help! My Dog.  I am hoping it will fill my need for more information on all of the geeky stuff about dog behavior that will help me to better understand what each student needs in order to see changes in their dogs.

As with everything, the world of dog training is evolving and I feel strongly that we as trainers need to remain current with the research and trends.  I realize that dog training is not a one size fits all endeavor so I am happy to have many different tools in my toolbox to offer my students.  

I still have my own coaches who I work with as I continue to train my own dogs.  I currently have three dogs with titles in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Field Work, Dock Diving, Sprinter and Agility.  

Cindy Cavanagh- Head Trainer, Animal Science Technician, Canine Massage Practitioner, Health and Human services diploma

It may be cliché to say I have been around and loved animals my whole life. I come from a dairy and beef farm and have shown horses and compete with my dogs.  Dogs are my passion and their welfare and living their best lives is why I have spent the past 30 years training and furthering my education in dog behaviour. I have been to Guelph University in Ontario, Cornell University in New York state, attended workshops and seminars with Brian Kilcommons, Chris Bach, Brenda Aloff to name a few and many online courses on a frequent basis.

I have competed successfully in conformation, obedience, rally and herding. There are dog sports that I participate in such as dock diving, agility, fly- ball, scent and there are even more that I haven’t attempted yet but want too. Hiking with my dogs has been a huge stress reliever for both them and myself and has become an important part of our daily schedule. Presently I have five Australian Cattle dogs.

Training has changed so much in the past 30 years and reward-based training equals a happier, calmer dog who is more likely to repeat the desired behaviour. Game based positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for shaping and changing a dog’s actions. Aversive methods such as shocking and forcing a dog creates a negative, pessimistic dog who displays more tension related behaviours and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This in turn will affect the dog’s relationship with their owners. 

Owners are more likely to implement training when they and their dogs are having fun and they can see results.  It is important to tailor the training to the owner’s capability and experience and to offer many options for that success to occur.  It is important to have those options and resources readily available either through my training and experience and the ability to consult with other reputable trainers and consultants.  

I look forward to working with people in our classes and home visits to ensure a life-long relationship with their canine companions.